IN Cardiff City's midfield mathematics Mark Bonner knows seven into four doesn't go, but he hopes to be in the starting 11 when Bradford arrive at Ninian Park tomorrow, writes Gavin Allen.

IN Cardiff City's midfield mathematics Mark Bonner knows seven into four doesn't go, but he hopes to be in the starting 11 when Bradford arrive at Ninian Park tomorrow, writes Gavin Allen.

Bonner is involved in the biggest selection battle in the City side, the competition for midfield berths, and with seven players vying for four places, three men are set to miss out.

But after completing his second 90 minutes of the season in the 4-1 Carling Cup win over Leyton Orient on Tuesday, Bonner is the man in possession - and he is aiming to keep it that way.

"I've started the season relatively well and I feel quite confident. I want to stay in the team as long as I can and keep injury-free," he said.

"There is such competition for places because we have got some good midfielders in Willie Boland, Graham Kavanagh, Gareth Whalley, Layton Maxwell, John Robinson, Jason Bowen and myself. Once you get in, you have to just try and hold onto the shirt."

The biggest threat to Bonner, who displayed a commendable work rate in the blistering heat at Millmoor last Saturday, is the return to fitness of Gareth Whalley.

The former Bradford man was only deemed fit for the bench last weekend after tendonitis trouble, but will be pushing hard for a starting place against his old club.

"Gareth looked sharp on Tuesday, but hopefully the gaffer will stick with me," said Bonner.

"The difference for me this year is that I have had a good pre-season and I'm fit.

"It was important I got through the games in Sweden and got myself match-fit because confidence comes with the more game you play."